Marvin Gaye's masterpiece is by far my favorite concept album and it's in my top 3 overall. The songs are so beautifully song, arranged, and layered that repeated listens are necessary to reveal the albums complex beauty. First the subject matter is poignant and unfortunately it's also timeless. This album speaks of ills that plauge the world over 30 years later and sadly it seems as though things are getting worse. The title track is a one of the more powerful openers I've heard on an album and it segues beautifully into "Whats Happening Brotha". These two tracks explore two viewpoints of war, one of the objecting onlooker and that of a vetran trying to find their way back into civilian life. The complexities of the ideas progress with "Flying High In The Friendly Sky" where Gaye explores the effects of drugs on the misplaced soldier trying to cope. This is a powerful message about the lasting affects of war. "Save The Children" flows effortlessly from the strings and bassline of "Friendly Sky" and the strings, background vocals and Gaye's heartfelt spoken words are unbelievable. The saving grace of this stanza is the upbeat "God is Love" that seeks to place these events in perspective while providing some solace to the listener before tackling enviromental ills in "Mercy Mercy Me". The last three songs, "Right On", "Wholy Holy" and "Inner City Blues" provide a sonic landscape that has yet to be matched. Marvin Gaye was at the top of his game when he produced this landmark LP that changed Motown's way of business and inspired Stevie Wonder's 70s output. Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" is a legendary achievement that will probably never age, musically or lyrically.

no doubt&Considering the Album almost never saw the Light of Day speaks Volumes for Marvin standing up too what He believed in as a Artist.Marvin proved&showed that you could work with a Major Label&fight for your rights&win.He Broke alot of Chains with that Album.He not only flipped the Script at Motown but also Presented something that still has People talking 30 years Later.

It is one of the best album concepts ever! I like albums which have a certain theme 2 them which is present throughout - 'cos then it's really like an aural journey.
And u sort of know what's coming, but the fun is seeing the different ways the artist can play with that theme.

I also love 2 be surprised, though - but u know what I'm trying 2 say...dontcha'?

Talk about flowing effortlessly, from "God Is Love" right into "Mercy Mercy Me" is the most powerful effortless flow I've ever heard. I was astounded when I first listened to that album, years and years after it was first released.

I so totally agree with y'all.
& james jamesons putting his magic down
with his bassplaying.just listen 2
"Flying high(In a friendly sky)".
it´s 1 of the most beautiful albums ever made.

peace/manki

Absolutely one of my favourite albums of all time, if not my favourite. Marvin's finest moment... listening to it right now as a matter of fact I've bought it so many times, copies of it got lost, or borrowed, or else moved to different formats (vinyl to cassette to CD).

Fave track is "Inner City Blues".

I love this album too. It's about time i got the 2CD remastered version. A truly beautiful piece of work.